Phytic acid (inci)

Phytic acid (from gr. phyton= plant) is a natural acid with the molecular formula C6H18O14P6, the hexaphosphoric acid ester of inositol, a sugar alcohol. Phytic acid occurs naturally in many plants. Phytic acid is particularly abundant in legumes, cereals and oilseeds. In its chelating function it binds phosphates, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron ions. Thus it serves as a reservoir for these substances in the plant. In the human intestine, phytic acid forms insoluble complexes with iron, phosphate, magnesium and calcium, so that these remain in the intestine and are not absorbed.

Cosmetics: Phytic acid is technically extracted from rice husks. It serves as a chelating agent.

In the food industry calcium phytate is used as a clarifying agent in beverages.

Medically, phytates are used to regulate the mineral content.

Phytates" are the salts/esters of phytic acid.